Denning seeks improvement in Suzuki chassis
Added on Friday, December 4th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Denning seeks improvement in Suzuki chassis
Suzuki boss Paul Denning believes that the secret to solving the team’s MotoGP woes lies in the chassis of the GSV-R, claiming that the Suzuki engine is capable of being competitive.
Denning admitted that Suzuki have once again failed to meet expectations in 2009 after showing some promise in winter testing, with championship finishes of ninth and twelfth for riders Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen respectively.
“We were not consistent,” Denning told MotoGP.com. “In some races we were super strong and Loris was able to do a great job with the bike, but the bike was not consistent in all conditions. In the end that was reflected in Loris’ finish of ninth in the championship and Chris who came 12th, and we didn’t deserve so much more.
“We have to improve the bike and the consistency a lot and nobody within the team is satisfied with this year’s result. Suzuki did a great job with the engine performance, now it’s not too bad and is quite competitive with the other guys, but we have to improve the chassis performance and this is the big priority for this winter.”
Veteran rider Capirossi will next year be partnered by Spanish rookie Álvaro Bautista, who, after some impressive tests, carries some strong expectations in 2010.
“The 2010 season is a new start with Bautista, which we’re very excited about. He has shown that he’s a racer and this spirit should really help push the team forward,” Denning added. “For us the balance in the team for next year is correct, because we have to improve the machine a lot and we need an experienced rider to do that. I think Loris’ job will be to develop the bike, and to push hard like he always does and to help Álvaro. I think this is a good combination for us.”
